Otzi, the 5,300
year old Iceman from the Alps

Pictures & Information

5,300 year old Iceman discovered in Austrian Alps, 1991

In 1991, a 5,300 year old Neolithic man was discovered by hikers during the summer
snowmelt in the Austrian Alps. The iceman's body was remarkably intact
as were his bow and arrows, dagger, copper axe and other tools, as well as
his clothing including a hide
coat, grass cloak, leggings, loin cloth and shoes.

A complex drama followed in how to
manage "Otzi", the ice mummy. The story is told in in a book by
Brenda Fowler (see cover below - highly recommended).

The
gradually emerging scientific findings about Otzi's life have been remarkable.

For example, the style of the copper axe and the copper in Otzi's hair
suggest that he smelted copper himself using surprisingly advanced
techniques.
Otzi's last meal was found in his intestine -- eaten about 8 hours
before he died, consisting of a grain and herb unleavened bread. But
many mysteries remain, such as the story behind the tattoos that covered
Otzi's body.